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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-19SAMUEL WILMOT NATURE AREA MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TUESDAY OCTOBER 19, 7:00 P.M. Via Microsoft Teams Welcome Attendance: Brian Reid, Leo Blindenbach, Tom Hossie, Megan Vandenbrink, Kate Potter, Rod McArthur, Ken Mercer ( staff ), Corinna Traill Regrets: Patrick Bothwell, Carrie -Anne Atkins Additions to the Agenda — additional wildflower seed packages available - Leo Acceptance of the Agenda: Moved by Kate Potter, seconded by Megan Vandenbrink that the agenda, with addition, be accepted. Carried. Minutes of meeting of September 14, 2021: moved by Leo Blindenbach, seconded by Rod McArthur that the minutes of the SWNAMAC meeting of September 14th be approved. Carried Status Reports/Updates: Monarch Tagging — Tom et al — Tom advised that a total of 456 monarchs were tagged during this year's tagging program. Migration continued into October, probably due to the warm weather. We are pleased with the overall number given that we were unable to hold this event in the same manner as we have done pre Covid. Butternut Tree Planting — Ken advised that there were no developments to this point South Lookout — The tender has closed and bids are being reviewed. It is unclear if the project will be undertaken this fall. If not, it will be given high priority for an early start in the spring. Storm Drainage pond — status report - Ken . No new developments to report. The matter is now being addressed with the developer by representatives of the municipality. Ash Tree Removal — Ken advised that some removal in the Lion's Memorial Forest is likely to be undertaken later this fall after freeze up Fall mowing of wildflower areas: after some discussion, it was agreed that mowing of the area along the waterfront in the Port would be done after freeze up. The new wildflower meadow on the Cobbledick side will be undertaken in the spring. Tom has reviewed information from the organization who provided the seed to us and this is the preferred course of action. Fall Cleanup November 6th — Leo - It was agreed that teams will participate on both the Toronto Street and Cobbledick sides of the SWNA. The Cobblestone beach on the Toronto Street side and the beach beneath the bluffs on the Cobbledick side were mentioned as areas which should be covered. Ken will provide bags and gloves. Kate will prepare a flyer for placement and distribution in social media. Most members of the committee appear to be available to assist. Further communications will take place via email since this event will take place prior to our next meeting. Ken may be able to provide contact information for a local fishing group that could be approached about assisting with cleanup along the actual banks of the creek which are difficult to access without waders etc. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters may be another possibility. Kate has a contact with G RCA. Membership — Brian advised that we will have three vacancies by the end of December when Carrie -Anne Atkins' resignation takes effect. Ken has spoken with the Clerk's office. An advertisement will be placed in the local paper shortly. We are also able as a committee to "advertise "that we are looking for members through our own channels. However, anyone interested must apply online to the municipality. Discussion took place concerning the possibility of input into the selection process. Councillor Traill will investigate tis on our behalf. It was noted that our committee us a very active one, with physical activity often involved. Persons with the appropriate academic backgrounds and/or experience with environmental/nature matters would be ideal. Discussion also took place about when and how many persons should be added to the committee at one time. No decision was reached but we do appear to have the authority to bring new members on board individually or all at once. Councillor Traill will also investigate this matter on our behalf. Other Business: Leo advised that he still has large quantities of wildflowers seed packages available. He has been working with some school teachers who will be making " seed bombs " during the winter for placement in the meadow garden next spring. He asked anyone who knows of others who might be interested in doing something similar to contact him. Councillor Traill raised the following issue for input. There is an undeveloped area at the extreme west end of the Wilmot Creek Retirement Community. Some residents consider it unsightly and have asked if the area can be mowed by the municipality, or alternatively if a strip of it along the outer edge could be removed. The area in question is not within the confines of the SWNA but it is valuable monarch habitat. The general consensus of the committee is that as much of this habitat as possible should be preserved. Brian noted that many municipalities across Canada are working with private sector partners and other organizations to preserve habitat in marginal areas such as this and that some are even incorporating requirements into their planning and development documents requiring such. On a different matter, Councillor Traill was asked if a decision has been made concerning the plowing of SWNA trails this winter. Discussion has taken place and costing prepared but no decision has been made at this point. Round Table: Kate — the family's new puppy s has given a Pawsitive endorsement to the nature area! Kate noted that water levels appear to have risen recently with the heavy rainfall we have received. Megan — noticed lots of fishing line and related paraphernalia on the cobblestone beach. She also advised that when she received and reviewed a recent edition of discover Clarington, various park areas etc. were listed with locations marked, but SWNA was not even mentioned! Councillor Traill will look into this oversight. Tom — frequently takes his young family to the SWNA and they are very happy to be helping with cleanup etc. He noted that he had observed snakes and salamanders still out and about recently. Another friend of the Nature Area had sent photos of a barred owl to him.. Rod — noted how fortunate we are to have this little " gem " right in our own backyard. Rod asked Ken about garbage pickup during the winter months. Ken responded that some barrels would likely be removed since they could not be accessed by municipal vehicles during the winter. Brian — happy to see how many people are using the nature area on a regular basis and noted that there is so much variety of things to see Leo - echoed those sentiments about how enjoyable it is to have this area available to the community but also noted that SWNA still seems to be a well kept secret Next Meeting: November 9t", 7:00 p.m. Adjournment: moved by Leo Blindenbach, seconded by Kate Potter that the meeting be adjourned. Carried.